The CHRISTMAS BEANO...

Festive Fun For... Everyone?

Copyright D.C. THOMSON & Co., Ltd

I bought my 'first'* Christmas Beano back in 1978 (still got it too) - down in Southsea if I recall correctly, when I was best man at the wedding of a now long-jettisoned friend, who was 'sent off' the pal-pitch three years later for being a compulsive and outrageous liar.  (And having looked at his Facebook page a few years back, he still is.)  However, this post isn't about him you'll be glad to hear - no, it's about the Yuletide ish of last man standing (as far as long-running UK humour comics go) on the newsagents' shelves - The Beano.  (Yeah, I know it's just Beano now, but that was a pointless change, wasn't it?)

(*When I say 'first', I mean the first of what became a yearly purchase thereafter, though I may well have had a Christmas issue or two when I was a kid.)

So let's get to the point.  Professionally produced, does what it says on the tin, younger readers are bound to love it, but - to this old fart - it no longer seems like The Beano anymore.  Too many 'filler' pages (as I regard them) and ads, and despite being in full colour and printed on glossy paper, I prefer the way it used to be when it was printed on loo roll, with only four pages of colour and the rest being b&w or spot colour.  It just had more 'atmosphere' about it, though obviously I wouldn't want to apply that criteria to movies and have them all made in monochrome.

Anyway, if you consider yourself too old or too 'grown-up' to be buying The Beano, your kids, nieces or nephews are sure to appreciate it if you spring for a copy for them.  As usual, it comes with a load of ol' tat and costs £4.99, but I had to have it as I've bought every Festive number since 1978.  (As far as I remember; must check to see if I inadvertently missed one.)  This is the last Beano 'til sometime in the New Year, so you can either fork out almost a fiver, or nip around to Home Bargains and see if they have any of the 2021 Annuals left for a mere £2.99.

Below is the pack to look for if you prefer to buy the comic, though obviously it's not a case of one or the other as, finances permitting, you're allowed to purchase both.

POIGNANT POST For POETRY LOVERS...

 I'll See You In The Morning...

Like poems?  Maybe you'll like this one.

Hankies at the ready, three, two, one - go.

                         I'll See You In The Morning.

                         And so to bed my little lad, I'll see you in the morning,

                         there's new adventures to be had with each new day aborning.

                         Though not for me alas, my son; my days on Earth are fading,

                         the doctor says I'm nearly done and Death comes 'serenading'.

        

                         I'll not be here to watch you grow in each new bright tomorrow,

                         I must confess I'm feeling low and in the grip of sorrow.

                         I won't be here to hold your hand each time you trip and stumble,

                         though not exactly what I planned it does no good to grumble.

                         I stand and watch you as you sleep and nearly cry a river,

                         you've given me a joy so deep, but now I feel a shiver.

                         My time is short, but I'll give thanks as long as I am able,

                         though soon enough I'll join the ranks of 'one short at the table'.

                         So many things I want to say before I have to leave you,

                         it's not my fault I cannot stay, but you'll have mum to cleave to.

                         Be strong for her my little man, she'll need you in her sadness,

                         give mummy all the help you can and be a source of gladness.

                         Perhaps in time she'll wed again; if so my little laddie,

                         should that occasion happen, then please don't forget your daddy.

                         I'll keep an eye out from above, I'll see your joys and sorrows,

                         you'll always have your daddy's love throughout all your tomorrows.

                         Goodnight to you my little lad, I'll see you when you waken,

                         and I will always be your dad - you will not be forsaken.

                         I've stood and watched you for a week since I learned I was dying,

                         each night I've stooped and stroked your cheek and couldn't keep from

                         crying.

                         Tomorrow I will play a game - pretend that I'm immortal;

                         that things will always be the same and I won't pass Death's portal.

                         So rest your head my little lad, I'll see you in the morning,

                         a bit more time to know your dad - another day's aborning.